87 Octane in an EcoBoost with GPF

[Raymundo76]

When using 87 octane in the 2.0L EcoBoost the ECU retards timing to reduce engine knock. This results, among other things, in more unburned fuel being exhausted from the engine; thus causing the GPF to work harder. Not a good thing. I was planning to use 91 octane for other reasons; but since I am very concerned about having a GPF, and I do lots of city driving; for sure I will use 91 octane in my new Maverick Ecoboost.

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[Chops]

I was planning to use 91 octane for other reasons; but since I am very concerned about having a GPF, and I do lots of city driving; for sure I will use 91 octane in my new Maverick Ecoboost.

I think that is a smart move. Besides the kick from the extra octane - you’ll get a bit more of the detergent additives to keep your EB clean. I’m assuming you’ll use Top Tier gas

Btw, your GPF system is covered by an 8yr/80,000mi “eco warranty” by Ford - just like the catalytic converters.

 

[Tiger Dude]

I don't think that's an accurate representation. Advancing timing lets the ECU add more fuel to extract more power. The O2 sensor(s), lambda for you brits who we don't really have many of here, will trim fuel to keep you away from unburned fuel.

 

[Raymundo76]

I think that is a smart move. Besides the kick from the extra octane - you’ll get a bit more of the detergent additives to keep your EB clean. I’m assuming you’ll use Top Tier gas

Btw, your GPF system is covered by an 8yr/80,000mi “eco warranty” by Ford - just like the catalytic converters.

Yes, only top tier. Since a complete GPF replacement could cost as much as $4000, I wouldn't put it past Ford to deny a warranty claim on some trumped up basis. So better safe than sorry.

 

[Raymundo76]

I don't think that's an accurate representation. Advancing timing lets the ECU add more fuel to extract more power. The O2 sensor(s), lambda for you brits who we don't really have many of here, will trim fuel to keep you away from unburned fuel.

You are welcome to your opinion; but I disagree; also there are other long term issues with advancing the timing as a SOP. Besides the 91 octane will increase HP and allow the engine to burn cleaner. After all one of the main reasons I went with an EcoBoost this time was for the increased get up and go. This is a classic case of "The Law OF Unequal Consequences". If you are correct I have spent more $$ on fuel and had better performance. If you are wrong and I use 87 octane I have risked damage or increased maintenance to my truck. So I am happy with my choice. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[Darryl]

There's a lot of pre-worry and overthinking in my opinion. octane is unlikely to affect filter life any more than it affects other emissions. If the manufacturer certifies the engine for 87-93 octane, either can be used without harm. Octane simply allows the engine to perform at its advertised power rating. TWO things affect exhaust filters. 1. A bunch of short trips that don't allow the exhaust to warm up enough. 2. The wrong motor oil . For the first situation, make sure you occasionally drive long enough at a steady speed to get everything fully warmed up. For the second situation, use oil that meets the standard specified in the owner manual. I believe the particulate filters are covered under the 8/80 warranty just like the catalytic converter and PCM, By the way , light will come on telling you to do a regenerative drive if you don't drive enough to clean it in your normal driving.

 

[Darryl]

FYI, GASOLINE particulate filters shouldn't use more fuel during regeneration like diesels because they will use PASSIVE regeneration because gasoline exhaust gets hotter than diesel exhaust. So normal driving is sufficient without a special fuel consuming regeneration cycle.

 

[todd92]

Totally wrong. O2 sensors keep mixture lean regardless of octane. 87 octane does not result in rich mixture and unburned fuel.

 

[Pointyears]

Yes, only top tier. Since a complete GPF replacement could cost as much as $4000, I wouldn't put it past Ford to deny a warranty claim on some trumped up basis. So better safe than sorry.

Ford isn't going to/can't deny warranty claims for you using 87 octane when that's what they recommend. Any performance gains by using premium on these relatively low compression engines would be more illusory than real.

 

[Raymundo76]

Totally wrong. O2 sensors keep mixture lean regardless of octane. 87 octane does not result in rich mixture and unburned fuel.

I hope you are correct; and everything works

 

[710-oil-614]

Ford isn't going to/can't deny warranty claims for you using 87 octane when that's what they recommend. Any performance gains by using premium on these relatively low compression engines would be more illusory than real.

I'd call a 10% drop in power pretty significant and real.

 

[Raymundo76]

Ford isn't going to/can't deny warranty claims for you using 87 octane when that's what they recommend. Any performance gains by using premium on these relatively low compression engines would be more illusory than real.

Why should I trust Ford to always do the right thing; I don't live in a CARB state and I got a GPF anyway when they were having trouble supplying them for CARB states.

 

[Cherokee]

In the hot thinner summer air my Ecoboost thrives on 93 octane ethanol FREE. I call it real gas.
I don’t like burning corn.
Increased mpg’s, smoother idle and power I can feel.
In the cold dense winter air 87 octane works just fine. My mpg drop is minimal, say 1 mpg and that’s mostly due to my key fob start warm ups from inside the house.
Ten to fifteen minute warm ups.

 

[Tim d]

You are welcome to your opinion; but I disagree; also there are other long term issues with advancing the timing as a SOP. Besides the 91 octane will increase HP and allow the engine to burn cleaner. After all one of the main reasons I went with an EcoBoost this time was for the increased get up and go. This is a classic case of "The Law OF Unequal Consequences". If you are correct I have spent more $$ on fuel and had better performance. If you are wrong and I use 87 octane I have risked damage or increased maintenance to my truck. So I am happy with my choice. Thanks for your opinions.

I tried 91 and noticed no difference when driving . my ecoboost is a 23 so I think no gross particle filter, curious if thats why?

 

[dcguilbert]

When using 87 octane in the 2.0L EcoBoost the ECU retards timing to reduce engine knock. This results, among other things, in more unburned fuel being exhausted from the engine; thus causing the GPF to work harder. Not a good thing. I was planning to use 91 octane for other reasons; but since I am very concerned about having a GPF, and I do lots of city driving; for sure I will use 91 octane in my new Maverick Ecoboost.

When using 87 octane in the 2.0L EcoBoost the ECU retards timing to reduce engine knock. This results, among other things, in more unburned fuel being exhausted from the engine; thus causing the GPF to work harder. Not a good thing. I was planning to use 91 octane for other reasons; but since I am very concerned about having a GPF, and I do lots of city driving; for sure I will use 91 octane in my new Maverick Ecoboost.

That’s all I’ve been doing since I bought it new in September…..premium unleaded to keep valves and other components clean. Runs quiet and smooth in any mode.

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